Birmingham City Council Regular Meeting – April 1, 2025

The Birmingham City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. in the Council Chambers. The meeting was called to order after a pre-council meeting lacked a quorum. Mayor Randall L. Woodfin delivered announcements, including a Housing Expo on April 8 and a Neighborhood Fest on April 12, and recognized the StrongHer campaign honorees, proclaimed World Autism Day (April 2), and presented a proclamation to the RESPECT organization for 30 years of service. He also reported that homicides in the first quarter of 2025 were down 47% compared to the same period in 2024, with a clearance rate of 79%, and that 110,000 spectators attended events at Legacy Arena and Protective Stadium over the previous two weekends.

Consent Calendar

• Approved a large consent agenda comprising 70+ items, including:
  • Transfers of beer, wine, and liquor licenses for 10 establishments (e.g., A & M Convenience Store, Center Point Citgo, Bygones Bar, The Humidor Room, Epice, Birmingham Amphitheater, etc.)
  • Abatement and removal of 7 inoperable motor vehicles declared public nuisances
  • Budget amendments transferring neighborhood allocation funds (e.g., $1,200 to Harrison Park Youth Basketball League, $500 to Jimmie Hudson Recreation Center)
  • Agreements: licensing a vacant lot to Alabama Regional Medical Services for free health screenings; façade improvement forgivable loans to BP Commercial Condo, LLC ($49,535), Terrific New Theatre ($50,000), and Woodfield Holdings ($46,830); a professional services contract with Gray Quarter Inc. ($66,000) for Accela Permitting phase 4; a cost-sharing agreement with Norfolk Southern for median channel devices (later pulled and discussed separately); a three-year contract with ParkMobile for on-street parking management; funding for the 27th Sidewalk Film Festival ($20,000); payments to Southern Museum of Flight ($9,690), Birmingham Public Library ($7,514.15), Birmingham United Neighborhoods ($7,500), Friends of Rickwood Field ($15,000), Omega Bridge Builders ($1,000), The Files Arts Project ($2,000), Urban Impact ($10,500), and various other neighborhood and school allocations; conference attendance for up to 198 neighborhood volunteers (NUSA and Main Street Now); termination of restrictive covenants on 2224 24th Avenue North; special assessments for demolition of 18 unsafe buildings (ranging from $1,268 to $114,361); a roof repair contract for Arlington House ($31,450); payments for election services, jail equipment, fire department supplies, office furniture, vehicle repairs, and other purchases; and expense accounts for city officials and employees.
• Change noted: Item 29 (Library Board agreement) was amended to shift funding from Five Points West to East Lake Library ($5,000) and Central Library ($2,514.15).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Christopher Patterson (811 44th Place North, 35212): Alleged wrongful termination from the City of Birmingham, stating he was fired without a fair hearing, that his appeal was ignored, and that he was mistreated by a director. He requested justice. Councilmember Clarke asked about recourse through the Jefferson County Personnel Board; the City Attorney stated the appeal process was followed. No further action was taken.
• Apprentice Hill: Announced the Magic City Diamond Classic (HBCU baseball game) on April 8, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at Regions Field between Miles College and Alabama A&M University, aiming for an attendance record of 8,000. He requested support in donating tickets to youth.

Discussion Items

• Item 23 (Norfolk Southern Cost Sharing): Pulled from consent for discussion. Councilmember Alexander explained that the project installs “Qwick Kurb” median channel devices at three railroad crossings (31st Street SW/Cleburne Avenue, 24th Street SW, and Pearson Avenue/Jefferson Avenue) to prevent drivers from going around lowered gates. Council President O’Quinn added that the area has double tracks and high-speed trains (up to 80 mph), and that additional detection devices are planned to improve safety. The city and Norfolk Southern each contribute $48,741 (total $97,482). The resolution also rescinds a previous 2023 agreement. Passed unanimously.
• Item 40 (Museum of Art Board Appointment): Councilmember Clarke introduced the appointment of Jack Watson Echols III to fill the unexpired term of Dr. Brian D. Burnett (Seat 9), expiring August 31, 2026. Confirmed unanimously.
• Item 74 (Zoning Amendments): A resolution setting a public hearing for May 6, 2025, to consider amendments to the zoning ordinance regarding automated car washes and temporary parking lots. Passed unanimously.
• Resolutions of Sympathy: Three resolutions adopted unanimously honoring the lives of Mrs. Pinnie Hicks Yarbrough (40-year educator in Birmingham City Schools), Mrs. Lesly Somerville Simon (music industry executive and cancer advocate), and retired Fire Chief Charles Gordon’s father, Mr. Charles E. Gordon Sr.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved as a whole (motion by Councilmember Alexander, seconded by Councilmember Abbott; vote: 7 ayes, 0 nays).
• Item 23 (Norfolk Southern): Approved (all ayes).
• Item 40 (Museum Board Appointment): Confirmed (all ayes).
• Item 74 (Zoning Public Hearing): Approved (all ayes).
• Resolutions of Sympathy: Each adopted by unanimous consent and then by separate vote (all ayes).
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 10:39 a.m.